Murder Suspect Arrested; Drug Cache Discovered During Arrest

On Tuesday about 7:40 PM, the U.S. Marshal’s Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force (NOVFTF) arrested Deshawn A. Dowdell on a Murder warrant issued by the Mansfield Division of Police.

The Mansfield Division of Police Major Crimes Unit had developed Deshawn A. Dowdell as a suspect in the homicide of Terrence T. Harris after a lengthy investigation. The homicide occurred on April 8, 2018 in the area of 1340 W. 4th St. in Mansfield. The arrest took place at 383 Wood St. Apt. #7 in Mansfield. During the arrest, NOVFTF Task Force Officers located numerous items of evidence related to drug trafficking and contacted the METRICH Enforcement Unit for further assistance.

Based on the information received from the NOVFTF, METRICH detectives were able to secure a search warrant for 383 Wood St. Apt. #7. During the search, detectives seized approximately one (1) kilogram (2.2 pounds) of suspected heroin/fentanyl, two (2) handguns, $3,386.00 in U.S. currency, suspected drug presses, cutting agents and other assorted drug paraphernalia.

Deshawn A. Dowdell was incarcerated at the Richland County Jail where he was served with the Murder warrant. He remains incarcerated pending his appearance in court. Additional charges related to possession of drugs and drug trafficking will be forwarded to the Richland County Prosecutor’s Office for review.

A preliminary analysis of the suspected drugs indicated approximately 400 grams of heroin and 500 grams of fentanyl. The analysis was conducted by the Mansfield Division of Police Forensic Science Section.

METRICH Commander Lt. Joseph D. Petrycki stated this investigation was the result of collaboration between the NOVFTF and the METRICH Enforcement Unit sharing information which not only resulted in the arrest of a murder suspect, but removing a significant amount of illicit fentanyl from the community. Citizens are encouraged to be proactive by reporting suspected drug activity. Citizens can call the METRICH Crime Tip Hotline at 419-52-CRIME (419-522-7463) or the Task Force line at 419-755-9728.

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